Smarty Mom: Debbie Burns

By Rachel H

We have another Smarty Mom Saturday today, and we will be getting to know a Winston-Salem native, Debbie Burns. Debbie has lived in Winston all her life and is proud to show it off, as she is now a full-time realtor for Leonard Ryden Burr. Debbie and her husband, Will, have two children Lilly, who is 7 ½ and William, who is 5 ½. Debbie tries to volunteer as much time as she can to any areas that relate to her children. She is a Sunday School teacher at Centenary Church and part of the Childrens’ Council there as well. She is a room parent at her childrens’ school and also donates time to helping organize the Welcome Baby program at her church.

Debbie loves to read and cook. She enjoys family time by working puzzles, and always seems to be helping out a family member or friend somehow! Debbie was nominated by her friend, Julie, who had this to say, “Debbie is a loyal, trustworthy friend. She is honest and the friend who will be there during your darkest hour - always offering to help when her own plate is full too. She is super organized (or fakes it really well) and is always willing to step up and do her part. She is a great volunteer and someone you can count on to get the job done efficiently and effectively. She is also a huge romantic who loves her hubby. Her loud laugh is catching and makes me giggle too.”

So now on to our questions …

Being a realtor is much like being a mom – it’s a 24/7 job. How do you balance your home life and career?
I wish I could say I am super woman and have it all figured out all the time ... not the case...As a realtor I believe in always being available to my clients, so just like being a mom, it is a juggling act. I take advantage of the time I am not showing houses or working on a transaction to give my children my full attention. When I am working it is the same for my clients. I have to say I have an amazing husband who really does not complain when I head out the door when he is getting home in the evening or on week-ends and when our only together time is while we are at church Sunday morning. Having a career that is 24/7 has maybe helped me to relax about if everything is always perfectly picked up and tidy at home. I am grateful that my family has adapted to the crazy schedule I sometimes keep. Maybe when my children are a little older they will think it’s nice that their mom is so busy on the weekends because I won’t even nag them to clean up their rooms!

Since you have lived in Winston-Salem your whole life, what are you most proud to show off to prospective home-buyers when they come to our area?
I like to show clients some of the things we take for granted living here all our lives ... like Old Salem and how nice it is to get out walk around and stroll in and out of all the shops and learn a little history along the way, The children’s Museum, Bethabara, Reynolda House Museum and Gardens, and Wake Forest University to name just a few. We have a lot of history and arts to offer for a community our size. Sometimes you forget to stop and enjoy them when you have spent your whole life in Winston, but we shouldn’t!

Where is your favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
The consignment stores are a great source to find some high end gently used children’s clothes. But I have to admit for years I loved going to all the various home clothing shows. I used to show Just Ducky clothing. My children have just about out grown those now.

What is your favorite family activity?
We are avid Wake Forest Fans so we are really looking forward to Football season, the cooler weather and tailgating at the games!

Favorite “me-time” activity?
I can honestly say I do not take a lot of “me” time. When I do it’s to get away with my friends for a night or weekend which is always a nice way to slow down and catch up with everyone!

Best book you’ve read recently?
Same Kind of Different as Me - In the summer I read mindless books and don’t remember titles or authors names but enjoy them for that very reason. Same Kind of Different as Me was the last really good book I read that wasn’t fluff! It was a true story of two very different men whose lives changed forever because of their meeting.

Best place to eat lunch with the kids?
Teddy G’s on Robinhood Road- it’s quick, convenient and we can sit outside.

Favorite place to eat dinner out with the kids?
Mexican- La Carretta

Favorite date night spot?
Any date night alone with my husband is a good date!

Funniest thing your kids have ever said?
I have a son that keeps me laughing! It’s not always what he says, but the WAY he can says something. He is starting Kindergarten next week and I am going to miss our 1 on 1 time. I do hope he isn’t the “Class Clown”

Favorite park in the Triad?
My children refer to the parks by colors the yellow park, green park etc.. (as that is how we described them when they were really little) we love to go to all the various parks Winston has to offer! Growing up in West End I have to say that Hanes Park is my favorite! You can ride your bike around the path, play tennis, swing, people watch, search the creek, sled in the Winter ... endless options, and for me it holds all my childhood memories since it’s the park I grew up going to!

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
Winston – has a great balance of what we offer in education, arts, entertainment and sports, but you don’t feel like you are in such a large city that you can’t get somewhere if you need to be there in 15 minutes and are running late.

Best kept secret in the Triad?
It wouldn’t be a secret if I shared it!

Favorite or most helpful post you have read on TSP thus far?
I think TSP is a great site for people moving to Winston and for clients that are trying to find their way. TSP really helps them to acclimate. All the posts and topics are relevant! Thanks TSP!!!!!

I could not live without my...
that’s a tough one, but I am going to say family…it’s nice having a large family that all live near by!

Thank you, Debbie, for letting us get to know you and your family today!

We know you are out there, Smarty Moms! Send any Smarty Mom nominations to triadsmartypants@gmail.com so we can feature them on our site!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM